The fourth Asian Paralympic Games will be held from October 22 to 28 in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province. The torch for this grand sporting event highlights the origins of the host city, its rich history and culture, capturing the spotlight.
The torch of the fourth Asian Paralympic Games is unveiled at a cultural event in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, October 9, 2021. /CFP
Named "Laurels," the design of the torch was inspired by the ancient jade "Cong" unearthed from the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City and features the symbolic flower of Hangzhou - the osmanthus.
Located in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, the 5,300-year-old Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City reveal the ancient urban planning, water conservation, rice cultivation and social hierarchy systems of the region. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.
The body of the torch is decorated with the "Cong" jade-shaped patterns in the center and features flower-shaped patterns at its head. It also has a double-layered hollowed-out burner nozzle to ensure that the igniting mechanism can deliver a steady and fiery flame.
The torch of the fourth Asian Paralympic Games reflects the rich culture of Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, October 9, 2021. /CFP
The 756-millimeter-long torch weighs 1,160 grams. It was designed in the colors of laurel yellow and rainbow purple, and also has a Braille engraving at its base.
The torch relay of the fourth Asian Paralympic Games was completed in the Xiaoshan district of Hangzhou City the day before the opening ceremony. It lit up the flame cauldron at the East Square of Hangzhou Olympic Centre Swimming Stadium. Today, the flame will be used to ignite the main cauldron at the opening ceremony of the Games.